North Carolina · Population 288,465 · Updated March 2026
How far your income goes in Durham
State-level tax rates that affect your costs
Durham is more expensive than the national average. Higher housing costs are typically the primary driver. With a cost index of 105 (where 100 equals the national median), Durham residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,412/month while earning a median household income of $79,234/year.
The median home value in Durham, NC is $355,300, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,434 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 21.4% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.
North Carolina has a moderate income tax rate of 4.5%. Combined with a 4.75% sales tax rate and 0.8% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Durham.
Common questions about living costs in Durham
Similar-sized cities to compare
Compare the cost of living in Durham, NC with 299 other major U.S. cities